Sato inks Formula E test deal

Former F1 and current IndyCar driver Takuma Sato has been named as one of the test and development drivers for the new Formula E Championship. The announcement was made on the opening day of the 43rd Tokyo Motor Show, where the new Spark-Renault SRT_01E Formula E car was making its Asian debut.

Sato, who has been competing in IndyCar for the last four years, winning his first race this season in the Toyota Grand Prix of Long Beach, is to assist current Formula E tester, Lucas di Grassi in the development of the zero emission car, ahead of the start of Formula E in 2014.

“I am very excited to be a part of the Driver’s Program for the development of the Formula E cars," said Sato. “This series provides a huge potential for the future of motor racing and electric cars.

“I am sure that these fascinating new innovative multimedia contents will excite the new fans who will be watching this new series. I am very much looking forward to driving the test car this coming winter."